In this panel hosted by festival media partner Entertainment Weekly, the breakout stars of today discuss their current projects, how they got their start in entertainment, and what's next in their careers.

Panelists
Taylor Dearden, The Pitt, For All Mankind
Amirah J, High Potential, Shameless
Sean Kaufman, For All Mankind, The Summer I Turned Pretty
Michelle Randolph, 1923, Landman
Moderator: Gerrad Hall, editorial director of movies, awards, and music, Entertainment Weekly

Behind every unforgettable sci-fi or fantasy world is a creative team led by visionary showrunners and producers. This panel brings together the architects behind today’s most ambitious genre series to explore how expansive television universes are conceived, developed, and sustained. From shaping long-term story arcs and defining rules of mythology to managing large-scale production, visual effects, and cross-department collaboration, these creative leaders will discuss what it takes to turn bold ideas into immersive worlds.

Step behind the scenes and venture into the creative hub where storytelling comes to life: the writers room. This open conversation digs into the dynamic and collaborative world of writers and those leading the rooms as they navigate the intricacies of crafting narratives that captivate audiences in an ever-changing media landscape — and, while industry demands may continually evolve, the power of good writing springs eternal. If you've ever wanted to write for a television show or are curious how to get a foot in the writers' room door, this panel is a must-attend!

The showrunner is the driving force behind every great TV show — the mastermind balancing creative vision, storylines, scripts, production, and more. Showrunners seamlessly juggle artistic and managerial duties to keep all the moving pieces of a production in sync. Welcome this panel of acclaimed creatives who helm some of your favorite (and soon-to-be favorite) shows and get a behind-the-scenes look at how they make the magic happen.

The TV’s Creative Toolbox panel brings together passionate below-the-line talent working in a variety of crafts behind the scenes on TV, spotlighting the multitude of essential creative forces behind your favorite shows as they collaborate to bring stories to life onscreen.

SCAD alumni populate every corner of the entertainment field, garnering awards and recognition for their creative contributions. Meet notable SCAD graduates for an insightful conversation about how their SCAD education set them on a path for success in the television industry.

Join top executives as they share insider secrets on what grabs their attention in a script, how they define a hit, and the evolving landscape of the TV industry. Discover how they adapt to the latest programming trends, stake out their vision for tomorrow's stories, and navigate the sweet spot between network demands and the tales that captivate their imaginations. Don’t miss this chance to get the ultimate behind-the-scenes scoop on turning your series into the next big thing.

Get a look at what to expect from the historic Survivor 50, which will push the series into uncharted territory and impact the players like never before. Twenty-four legendary castaways, selected from 49 unforgettable seasons, return to face surprise twists, high-stakes challenges, and fan-driven decisions that shape the game as they compete to claim the title of Sole Survivor and win the $1 million prize. Survivor 50 is a celebration of legacy, strategy, and audience impact, where the viewers play a pivotal role in the evolution of this groundbreaking game.

Get an insider's perspective from Warner Bros. executives on the art and business of shaping some of the most beloved and innovative stories in television and animation. From developing laugh-out-loud comedies and gripping dramas to managing current programming and creating animated series for audiences of all ages, these industry leaders are experts on navigating a constantly evolving entertainment landscape.

SCAD alumni populate every corner of the entertainment field, garnering awards and recognition for their creative contributions. Meet notable SCAD graduates for an insightful conversation about how their SCAD education set them on a path for success in the television industry.